Career as Archaeologist

Introduction Image: 

Archaeology is the method of learning about the history of civilizations. It can unveil a rich store of information about the beliefs, social structures and economic organization of past societies. It is a rewarding and challenging career for those who have an analytical bent of mind and a keen desire to know about the past.

Archaeology is a multidisciplinary science which draws from geography, history, anthropology, chemistry, geology, art and literature. Archaeological studies or inputs are important in issues such as environmental conservation, urban societies, town planning etc. These discoveries involve a variety of field techniques and laboratory procedures.

Nature of work

The main activities of an Archaeologist include preliminary fieldwork, excavation of sites, periodical classification, dating and interpretation of materials excavated. Modern archaeologists use scientific techniques of carbon dating and DNA analysis for better accuracy.

Eligibility

Candidates with a background in ancient history and culture are preferred for Archaeology. The eligibility criteria for a 3 year Bachelors course in History/ Archaeology is 10+2 or equivalent. Graduates in History with aggregate 55% marks can apply for PG Diploma or MA/M.Sc. in different fields of Archaeology. Duration of these courses may vary from 1 to 2 years.

Admission to the two year PG Diploma course at Institute of Archaeology, the academic wing of the Archaeological Survey of India-New Delhi, is on the basis of a written exam and an interview.

Those interested in conducting research on the branches of Archaeology can do Ph.D.

Key Skills

The essential attributes needed for an Archaeologist are a perceptive and probing mind, keen observation, analytical and logical thinking, creativity and accuracy. They should be able to handle physical stress and strain since they may have to work outdoors in uncomfortable conditions.  Dedication and patience are required since researches in this field can take years on one project. Archaeologists must also be well versed with Geo-physical conditions.

Course Areas

Numismatics, epigraphy and archiving are branches of Archaeology. Applied Sciences, Art, Chemical Preservation, Antiquarian Laws etc. are important subjects. The course also consists of a detailed study of illustrated manuscripts, fossils, inscriptions and coins. Some sub-disciplines and specialisations are Historical Archaeology, Ethno archaeology, Experimental archaeology, Computational Archaeology, Isotope analysis, Geo-archaeology, Bio-archaeology etc.

Institutes

•    Andhra University, Vishakapatnam
•    Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi
•    Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management
•    Gujarat University, Ahmedabad
•    Institute of Archaeology, New Delhi
•    Jiwaji University, Gwalior ( MP )
•    Kurukshetra University (Haryana )
•    Osmania University, Hyderabad
•    Panjab University, Chandigarh
•    School of Archival Studies, New Delhi
•    National Archives of India, New Delhi
•    St. Thomas College, Palai ( Kerala )
•    University of Calcutta,  Madras, Mysore
•    Utkal University, Bhubaneshwar( Orissa )

Job Prospects
 
Specialists in Archaeology can work as Numismatists and Epigraphists. Numismatics is the study of old coins, tokens and other related objects while Epigraphy is the study of inscriptions on ancient monuments, rocks, temples, copper plates etc.

Students graduating from Institute of Archaeology, the academic wing of the Archaeological Survey of India are readily absorbed by ASI. 

Archaeologists can seek jobs in government sectors through examinations conducted by UPSC or Staff Selection Commission. They can also apply to private environment monitoring companies, Defence services, museums, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, cultural centres and historical division of the Ministry of External Affairs.

A degree holder in Archaeology can work as a tourist guide, heritage manager, interpreter, resource person of trip organizers in tourism industry etc. After obtaining Doctoral degree or successfully clearing SLET (State Level Eligibility Test) or NET (National Eligibility Test) candidates can take up teaching and research work. Archaeologists can even seek employment as historians, linguists and surveyors.

Archaeology graduates have great scope abroad for jobs and research. They can work as curators, heritage conservators, archivists or teachers.

Remuneration

The pay scale for an Archaeologist depends on their education, level of skill and the organisation. Job prospects are very diverse, so the salary can vary tremendously. The basic pay scale of an Assistant Archaeologist employed with Archaeological Survey of India is between Rs. 9,000 and Rs. 15,000. The salary scale of the Director General varies between Rs.25,000 and 30,000. The minimum pay scale of Archaeologists working in colleges and universities is Rs.16,000 to 20,000/- per month.  A doctoral degree in this field entitles one to reach higher pay scale and is a must for a rise in this career. The initial pay scale in private firms can be much higher when compared to the government sector.